Starting with a MCU-Calibur intro that hits the ground running, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown really sets up Sargon as a bonifed action hero. The muscled dual-sword wielding protagonist hits the screen with the perfect mixture of classic Thor over confidence mixed with the melancholy of a hardened warrior. He is and band of warriors -- The Immortals are immediately remicenent of band of brothers (and sisters) that accompany Marvel's God of Thunder. His warrior prowess and vague connection to magic makes him a likable video game character.
The Lost Crown's comic book art style doesn't hold it back from having some seriously dark story beats in the game's opening moments. After staving off an invasion, Sargon and his band are celebrating their victory, while Sargon he has a brief conversation with fellow warrior Anahita -- who is definitely not secretly evil.The opening chapters of the game definitely show just how curated the January 11th demo really was. Sargon is lacking his bow and arrow and his mysterious air-dash. Both of these are acquired though some pretty predictable, but still very fun story moments. Completing the first leg was the first quest will plant you where the demo starts.
Sargon will not only explore the previously available forrest area, but a series of subterranean tunnels -- with a few new enemy types that we didn't get to see. This area is also home to the game's real first puzzle; a sequence where you have to munipalte two water wheels. Creative use of switching will eventually guide you to a swing pole and switch -- which will then immediately lead you to another boss.
Another element that differs from the demo is just how you will get to the Boss shown at the end.This includes a fair bit of exploring as well as encountering two additional bosses. The full game also reveals that Lost Crown also has a number of side quests -- something that not really implied in the demo. While it would have been tempting for Ubisoft to simply mimic the first 20 minutes of the game proper, I think it would have removed some the wow factor from The Lost Crown's opening cutscene and the full game does a better job of pushing you into a direction, while also encouraging lots of exploration.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is shaping up to be a great title for 2024.
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